Try something new

I sit down in front of it, wondering if I can really grasp it and feeling a bit afraid. I have had it for a year and have hardly done anything with it.

By Sarah LendtM.S. Ed.

I sit down in front of it, wondering if I can really grasp it and feeling a bit afraid. I have had it for a year and have hardly done anything with it. Now, something needs to be fixed and if I continue to ignore it, it’s not going to get any better. If I try to fix it, I may make things worse. I feel so nervous, so I just resist coming into contact with it. I put it off and attend to other things.

What a funny hurdle it is. Last year I worked with it, but had some very wise help throughout the entire experience, now it has been a year and my load is getting bigger. My daughter has a pair of jeans that are too long and they have sat for months, because I am too scared to tackle my sewing machine and the job of hemming! I don’t know what I am doing. I can usually handle new things and enjoy challenges, but this one is weird! I know I could ask Grandma to do the job, and it would be done quickly, but I really want to try!

I take the plunge. Measuring at least 10 times, to be sure, I cut off the unneeded material. Man, it is only a pair of jeans and how could I really mess up too much.

More measuring, ironing, pinning and then I’m ready to begin sewing. I sit in front of the sewing machine and just look at it for probably 15 minutes. I open the bobbin area, because the needle is hitting something, move some clasps and pieces fall out. Yikes! After successfully putting it all back together, feeling a little more confident, I begin sewing. More then once my needle breaks and the machine beeps with a C4 message.

Nuts. I get out my manual and learn how to replace a needle and what that message means. Ready to go again, I push the pedal very slowly, as I take deep breaths.

After one leg is done, I have a little giggle at myself, and know I can finish this project. I feel a huge weight lifted and am so excited! I know when I see those pants fitting my daughter properly; I’m sure to feel proud all over again. Overcoming this fear, I realize that it wasn’t so scary after all. Perhaps there are other fears I unnecessarily exaggerate.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and entering a space that is foreign or unknown can be quite a challenge, but taking a risk can result in some amazing, exuberating feelings. If we never try, we will never know! Take a chance, try something new, and enjoy the reward!

It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult ~ Seneca